Special Investigation Launched Into Benton County Jail Death

22-year-old man apparently hanged himself following domestic violence arrest.

The man's identity has not yet been released.  Authorities say the man was brought into the Benton County Justice Center just moments before 10am Friday on a charge of felony harassment and "4th Degree Domestic Violence."

Jail officials the booking process was completed, which included a medical and mental health questionnaire which also includes suicide screening. The man was moved to a single-person cell in the general living quarters, and no indications were present he could have been a danger to himself.

Later that evening, around 10:40 pm during a routine bed check and security sweep, the man was found unresponsive in the cell, with was authorities said was bedding material intentionally tied around his neck.

He was given CPR by jail officials, and later Benton County EMT's but was pronounced dead. Sheriff Steve Keane requested the Special Investigation Unit to perform an independent investigation of the incident.

Officials did not say if they knew how long the man had the bedding material around his neck, but indicated regular and thorough inspections are regularly made on all inmates.

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